Southampton
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 147
, currently showing 1 to 20.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Tour
Stockbridge
Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.
Festival
University Road, Southampton
One of the longest-standing science festivals in Europe, welcoming over 10,000 visitors each year, the British Science Festival comes to the University of Southampton this September.
Childrens Events
Farnham
Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.
Health & Wellbeing
Waterlooville
Join us round the fire in one of our historic buildings for an evening of yoga, relaxation, and personal growth in one of our monthly yoga classes.
Participatory Event
Beaulieu
Join New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a fantastic introduction to the world of Bushcraft, based in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Music
Lymington
Fresh from Hampshire's Longhope Opera Festival, Scherzo Ensemble brings their hilarious staged version of Mozart's 'Cosi fan tutte' with a 10 piece chamber orchestra to Kingfishers this August. This is an abridged production with all the best music…
Arts
Petersfield
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…
Food
Alton
Alton FlavourFest returns to The Public Gardens on Sunday 6 September, from 11am-4pm! It's free!
Get ready for a gastronomic extravaganza, with over 60 vibrant food and drink stalls, sizzling street eats, irresistible cookery demonstrations,…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Christmas
Farnham
Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.
All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.
Food
Fareham
Event listing text
The Taste of Wickham Festival is back! Join us on Sunday 13 September, from 11am to 4pm, as
this charming Hampshire village comes alive with celebration.
This isn't just any village festival, this free event promises a full day of…
Festival
Winchester
It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester. The 2025 line-up features Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider, David Rodigan, Alison Limerick, Don…
Exhibitions
Lymington
Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential…
General event
Southampton
Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
